Packer hotrod. Photo by Eric Withjack
Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of attending a dinner at Mastros Ocean Club in Crystal Cove hosted by the Corona del Mar Chamber of Commerce to officially kick off the upcoming Coastline Car Classic. What is special about the Coastline Car Classic is that it both showcases more than 150 impressive collectible cars and raises money for the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation (PCRF).
During dinner, Jim Wisenbach, PCRF’s board president, thanked the audience and volunteers for their support.
“Your efforts enable us to research and find treatments which are less toxic to children,” he said. “PCRF is devoted to finding a cure for child specific cancers and thanks to your support we move a little closer to that goal each year.”
Cancer is the No. 1 disease killer of children under the age of 20. I lost my best friend to cancer on her 19th birthday, and I am sure if she would have been alive today and been diagnosed, with the advances in cancer treatment and survival rates, she would have lived longer and suffered less, thanks to organizations like PCRF.
Robert Escalante, who has long served on the Coastline Car Classic Board of Directors, commented, “I love cars and I love this event. But bottom line, it’s not about us, it’s about supporting them (PCRF).”
If you’ve never been to the Corona del Mar Car Classic you’re missing out on a real treat. Held in the Big Corona beach parking lot, the event is billed as a “seaside celebration of the automotive pursuit.” The show features world-class motorcars in categories ranging from Post-War Muscle Cars to Classics, and they take your breath away.
The Car Classic is one of our favorite annual events, and I recall a few years ago when Mike Harrah drove his 31-foot, 3,000hp, P2 Boat engine powered, aluminum Packer hotrod down the green carpet to accept his People’s Choice Award. It is one impressive machine. He’ll be there this year again as one of the title sponsors, and I am hoping he brings that powerhouse with him; it’s a sensation for the eyes and ears!
There is still time to register cars on a pre-approved basis by visiting coastlinecarclassic.com. Registration ends Sept. 1 for the Sept. 9 event, and you can also register for the Coastline Motoring Road Rally that will place on Saturday, Sept. 8. The rally route has been changed up from past years, and will begin at Big Corona del Mar Beach at 8 a.m. The best part is tha the rally is not restricted to vehicle classe, so everyone is welcome to join in the fun.
So get out the Armor All, spray wax and California Dusters and bring your classic car to this great event with a special cause. Oh, and don’t forget the elbow grease!
Lynn Selich can be reached at LynnSelich@roadrunner.com
